?s for LEOs
Any of you care to offer up advice for someone going into the buisness? My g/f and I are both going to school for Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, and I was just wondering if you could help us out.
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Pretty broad question. Can you narrow the focus a bit?
In general, be aware that this is a rewarding although difficult profession. It can certainly take a toll on your health, attitude and any relationship you are in.
Pick an agency in an area you plan on remaining, since as you invest years and gain rank, it becomes somewhat of a trap. You almost have to stay there so you don't lose seniority and/or rank.
I am kind of guilty on that score. I love my agency, but can't stand the area (desert) I am living in. I am counting the days till I can retire and move to a climate with forests and seasons. My poor choice early on. Once I had some years invested and gained some rank, I couldn't see starting over at graoud level elsewhere.
Food for thought.0 -
So far, your off on the right foot. Getting an AA or bachelors degree in the "business" will certainly aid in landing a job when you get around to applying.
I dont know where you live but you may have to put yourself through an academy. Thats the way it is here in Cal unless your going to work for a county sheriff or LAPD who have their own academy.
The academy where I teach has all unsponsored recruits which means they are putting themselves through. Usually by the time they graduate, aboout 7% to 10% have been hired by an agency.0 -
The above is good advise. I retired over 15 years ago and the hiring is a lot different that it was. Now it seems like the smaller departments cannot afford to send a new hire through the academy, so they look for laterals to hire.
That is another path to work where you want to. Get hired on in a large department, and after you get through your probation you look for a lateral position where you would want to live.
Another thing is large department vs. small departments. Small means few job changes, large means many different kinds of jobs.0 -
Contrary to what you'd think, a degree in criminal justice doesn't necessarily help. A college degree itself is a plus, it just doesn't really mean anything to a prospective employer that it's in criminal justice. You'll be receiving this same knowledge and more through both basic academy and continual follow-on training after employment.
My advice to people is to obtain their degree in an area that might be helpful on down the road, whether it's moving into a LE management position, running a business with a spouse or being able to leave for a completely different field. For example, business or finance are always good subject areas.0 -
thats what link i posted basically said. 0 -
Go over to www.officer.com and read everything on it. About 90% of the cops there will tell you NOT to get a degree above an Associate's in Criminal Justice. It is a waste of money. My son wants to be a cop and I told him to get an A.S. in Criminal Justice, then his B.S. in something else that interests him, like computers or business, etc. That will give him a range of education to carry into his career assignments. 0
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